Growing green curled endive from seeds can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This leafy vegetable, also known as frisée, is a staple in many European cuisines, particularly in France and Italy. It’s known for its slightly bitter taste and its frilly leaves that add texture and visual appeal to salads and other dishes. But did you know that you can easily grow this gourmet green in your own garden? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
Understanding Endive
Before we delve into the how-to of growing green curled endive, let’s first understand what this plant is. Endive (Cichorium endivia) is a leafy vegetable that belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and lettuce. There are two main types of endive: curly endive, which has narrow, curly leaves, and broad-leaved endive, also known as escarole. Green curled endive is a variety of curly endive that has dark green, frilly leaves.
Endive is a cool-season crop, which means it grows best in cooler temperatures. It’s typically planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, endive is a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate.
Preparing for Planting
Now that we have a basic understanding of endive, let’s move on to the preparations needed before planting. These include choosing the right location, preparing the soil, and purchasing the seeds.
Choosing the Right Location
Endive prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. According to the Michigan State University Extension, the ideal location for planting endive is a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. However, in hotter climates, a bit of afternoon shade can help prevent the plant from bolting (flowering prematurely), which can make the leaves taste bitter.
Endive also needs well-drained soil. If your garden tends to hold water, consider planting your endive in raised beds or containers to improve drainage.
Preparing the Soil
Endive prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. You can test your soil’s pH using a soil test kit, which is available at most garden centers. If your soil is too acidic (below 6.0), you can add lime to raise the pH. If it’s too alkaline (above 7.0), you can add sulfur to lower the pH.
According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil can also improve its fertility and drainage. This should be done a few weeks before planting to give the organic matter time to break down.
Purchasing the Seeds
Green curled endive seeds are available at most garden centers and online. When choosing seeds, look for varieties that are resistant to bolting, as these will be more likely to produce tender, flavorful leaves. Some recommended varieties include ‘Salad King’, ‘Tres Fine Maraichere’, and ‘Galaxy’, according to the Johnny’s Selected Seeds.
Planting the Seeds
Once you’ve prepared your garden and purchased your seeds, it’s time to plant. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to speed up germination.
- Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil, spacing them about 1 foot apart. If you’re planting in rows, space the rows 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Water the soil thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate.
- Expect the seeds to germinate in 7 to 14 days, depending on the soil temperature. According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, endive seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Caring for Your Endive Plants
After your seeds have germinated and your endive plants have started to grow, they’ll need some ongoing care to thrive. This includes watering, fertilizing, and dealing with pests and diseases.
Watering
Endive needs consistent moisture to grow well. According to the Michigan State University Extension, you should aim to provide 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilizing
Endive is a heavy feeder, which means it needs a lot of nutrients to grow well. A balanced vegetable garden fertilizer, applied according to the package instructions, should provide all the nutrients your endive plants need. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, it’s best to apply the fertilizer when the plants are about 4 inches tall, and again midway through the growing season.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Like all plants, endive can be affected by pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, slugs, and snails, while common diseases include downy mildew, powdery mildew, and bacterial soft rot. Most of these can be managed with good cultural practices, such as rotating crops, removing diseased plants, and using organic or synthetic pesticides as needed.
Harvesting and Storing Your Endive
After all your hard work, it’s finally time to enjoy the fruits (or rather, leaves) of your labor. Here’s how to harvest and store your endive:
- Harvest endive when the leaves are large enough to use, usually about 6 to 8 weeks after planting. To harvest, simply cut the leaves at the base of the plant with a sharp knife. According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, you can also harvest the entire plant at once if you prefer.
- Store harvested endive in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks. To store, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
With these tips and techniques, you should be well on your way to growing your own green curled endive. Happy gardening!
Join Our Green-Thumbed Community!
Ready to turn your garden into a lush, thriving haven? Subscribe for free to How to Grow Everything and let us guide you in building the garden of your dreams. Receive personalized gardening advice tailored to your grow zone, experience level, and interests. Our family’s promise to you is simple: no spam, just the best gardening tips, special offers, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Grow your knowledge with thousands of free articles and become part of a community dedicated to gardening success. Subscribe now and let’s grow together!
